Keith – captures your mind ( A Great Independent Film!)

Keith. (I got a thing for great independent film)

“The new film Keith is one best enjoyed by those who know nothing about the plot. The movie’s characters experience twists and turns, flavored with adversity and triumph, that often leave their future in doubt. “(MTV quote – Larry Carroll)

I highly recommend reading nothing and just watching this film. Consider watching it and then coming back to this and commenting…really! Google nothing and DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER! Heck if you’re daring watch it (as I did) watch the movie and be surprised as how incredible it is after all your doubts) – Like I said I write for those that have seen it, but I”m considering all of you who haven’t!!!! I’m so kind aren’t I? hehe! Anyways, on with my thoughts:

The story is by Ron Carlson taken from his story Keith within his book The Hotel Eden. The screen play was written by David Zabel and directed by Todd Kessler. This movie is classified as drama and romance. The last type of mixture I would pick up and view as a DVD or even as a book however this story is much more. Not to mention perfect as I was hunting for great independent films. Now I haven’t read the short story Keith written by Ron Carlson. However, I ordered the book as the movie was fantastic so I can only imagine how amazing the short story must be.

However, although I am excited now, before I even watched the movie, I was not impressed. I walked past this movie at the video store so many times, saw Jesse McCartney but saw the whole romance coverish things going on and moved on. I wanted to see McCartney in an independent film though as I thought he’d do great in the film world after seeing him in Summerland.

Heck even the summary sounds just terrible and very much like every movie.

Natalie has it all: yearbook editor, scholarship to college, star athlete, reigning social queen. Then Keith enters her life. Secretive and enigmatic, he slowly lures her from her comfort zone. The more Keith holds back, the more Natalie becomes intrigued with figuring him out. In her head, she’s determined to keep him at arm’s length, but in her heart she can’t resist him. As Natalie’s world slowly unravels, both their lives are changed forever in this powerful love story. (imdb)

I have been continuing to add to my knowledge within the film world by watching movies I personally would not watch or even stop to look at. I found this one. Unaware of anything except the summary. It was a great blessing and a true surprise to watch this film and I’m truly happen I took the time to watch it against every instinct in my body. As it turned out to be nothing of what I thought it was, a lot heavier than the summary and a valuable movie to learn from and one that I will say changed me. That’s rare. I”ll never forget it.

The moment the movie started it had me with it’s opening scene…it just caused me to ask questions. Which was solid throughout the film, there was always loads of information that you were never given as it’s written from the main characters point of view. It’s an upside in the sense you are just as confused as she, Natalie (played by Elisabeth Harnois), is and you have no idea what’s going on, you want to and the information you do have is just enough to make you pay complete attention to what’s going to happens next. That’s the first great part, the second is honestly the movie feels like you’re reading a book the whole way through and it has zero narration. Personally I think it’s the honesty and the depth of the characters.

At first glance you think it’s going to be this typical love story of the outsider liking the popular girl, popular girl doesn’t notice him until the throws himself out there, she pretends not to like him while dating the popular jock guy, and secretly falls him and the outsider gets the popular girl. technically on the surface, that’s just what it is. But it’s truly written in a more honest way than many other teen flick type dramas.As I usually feel overwhelmed with the teen heightened emotion, teen angst and melodrama within these movies

It’s true the cool girl was with the cool guy at the start and started noticing Mr. Odd one out Keith played by Jesse McCartney, yet you’re following step by step. When Keith didn’t show up for school I was looking for him, I was wondering where he was and why he wasn’t there. When his car wasn’t in the usual parking place heck I was looking for his yellow Chevy!

It wasn’t perfect their was the cliche of ‘you’re not like other guys’ however he wasn’t really like other people actually and the viewers love him for it. It wasn’t what expected in the sense he wasn’t all silent brooding type mysterious to be not like the other guys in the movies. And…the trailer for this film was horrid. Almost didn’t watch it, but thought…it’s independent…it’s probably nothing like the trailer. I was right. I think a few of the fans should make a fan made trailer, I think it’d get a whole lot more hits! Heck maybe I will consider making a trailer! Stay tuned!

But the DVD! I got it for cheap in my area bout six bucks or so (Sale!)

Links:

www.thekeithmovie.com

LINKS FOR AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE:

Another Great Article with a little more detail of director and actor

Keith IMBD

TODD KESSLER

“Companies like Miramax were afraid that we could never pull it off, and they wanted us to make [the character of] Keith nicer and quirkier and cuter. We finally wrestled it back out after being theirs twice…I was able to get the project back independently, although on a very small budget, and get it made the way I always wanted to make it.”

“He prepared intensively. When he was on tour [with his music], I understand that he spent hours in front of the mirror in hotel rooms working on his character, working on his stance – even little details, like how he puts his hands in the pocket of his jacket,” Kessler marveled. “Everybody who sees the movie now is impressed, and the buzz is happening from those who think he’s the next Leonardo DiCaprio.” (MTV quote – Larry Carroll)

So proud of you Kessler! Glad the character never changed on it’s way to production!

Clash of the Titans – Almost Perfection!

I along with many others have been pretty hyped up about the remake of ‘Clash of the Titans!’ I squeeze it into my schedule today. Grabbed some 3D glasses on the way in and grabbed a seat with my good friends who love such films.

I loved it! It was almost perfection! I’m hooked…looking forward to more. However, although I was swept away with it! There were it’s flaws, and I must discuss those to learn exactly what not to do in mine (as the good immediately inserts itself into my brain).

First problem at the start, is the movie starts and the trailer we’ve been shown slightly misleads you to think something else is going to occur and a lot of other characters are going to be more involved. Sam Worthington’s character (Perseus) is actually the lead (thank the film world for Sam Worthington…he’s saved films now!). That was our first surprise. I was even surprised in another trailer I saw and Worthington’s face is shown…I went ‘he’s in that movie? Great…well another reason to go see it in addition to all the cool creatures and mythology.’

The introduction is fantastic…we are shown Perseus and his mother as a baby (mother’s already passed but he survived) and the family that finds him. He has a sister a mother and father.  They show him in the present older in his twenties with his family, you fall in love with them, bad things happen, immediately: action… (my kind of beginning, so sick of the ease into it crap just get on with it…and they did) The first thing you notice is the CG and the incredible shots…great director…and a true visual experience from the start. However, once the movie gets going…it slows and I’m paying attention…waiting…and waiting and still enjoying myself as honestly the lead and some support actors were well selected… Along with great screen shots I was still entertained. Hades enters and I’m somewhat grinning, Perseus still pissed from what happened to his family but trying to blend in and stay off the radar…simple shots of that character and you’re waiting for him to kick ***.

You get to know who the bad guys are and the good guys right away. Which is good…but soon things start to feel rushed, but you’re still keeping up with it as once warriors are full throttle on screen, it’s tense and you’re wondering what’s going to happen next. Which is good…I was on my toes. The action scenes were fantastic…I can still seem them in my head and I wish to see them again. The scorpions the Klakken, some flying creations…fantastic scenes there.  Incredibly well done.

The bad sides, character development we love Perseus simply because we know it’s Perseus and because it’s Worthington…plus you want to follow him on his journey. He was only one layer…it was a good one layer but I craved more. It wasn’t just him but all of those around him…so close to perfection. In addition to the rush, there were things that we changed which I’m sure ticked off a bunch of fans, Hercules was in one random shot and we all went ‘aahh..what? weird.’ Next, there could have been much more action without being annoying and there could have been a lot more characters to be snuck in there, say Hercules. So close…soooo close. Another weird scene was his guardian (female) who followed him and watched out for him (Perseus) becomes his love interest. It was the way that it was executed which game me this whole Soccer Coach dating her athlete or teacher dating her student. Weird… That needed some editing.

I think Worthington carried a lot of the weight here along with… he’s a gift to film, really! I know there’s all this Brad Pitt nonsense, and Leonardo and Cruise and a bunch of other named people but Worthington has something truly rare… I wish I had the chance to write a script and have him in my own film (darn…it’s not done yet.)

Hmm…more to come. It’s late.

Avatar! James Cameron closed the space between audience and screen!

Everything is backwards now, like out there is the true world, and in here is the dream. – Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) written by James Cameron

I remember blogging about just the idea of Avatar knowing James Cameron was behind the film and Sam Worthington had the lead role.  I was already convinced I was going to be taken on an incredible journey.

The more I started to dig about the movie the more fascinated I have become. Knowing the story of James Cameron working with such a large staff of people is incredible.  The fact the movie was a vision in James Cameron’s head and all of these people made it into a reality… wow…what an art form. You can even investigate about the cameras that were made to make this movie and of course for those to follow. Cameron could hold a camera in his hands and move around the set while the actors were performing and see the 3D world on the screen. This allowed for incredible shots and angles to be captured.  That was honestly one of the best things I learned in addition to the fact the actors were wearing cameras that captured their facial responses which truly made their characters so real.  You can find a great read here, but it’s a little length but truly a great read. If you’re more visual check out the Youtube video or click the links at the bottom of this post.

The movie is honestly just a ride to take. I can’t even tell you how amazing it is with my words as it takes seeing it to really feel what it is that I am going to try to express in a second. The whole time, from the moment I got into the theater, received my 3D glasses (that I almost didn’t want as the ticket was 13 bucks to see in 3D) , and finding my seat in the crowded theater (It was an hour and a half before the show started, mind you. Wow).  Once the previews started which were also in 3D, my first experience by the way. I was captivated. It wasn’t what I thought it would be. I was pointing at things that seemed to come at me and my row of friends were doing the same. Laughing and smiling, disturbing the theater as we were new to the whole 3D thing.  The glasses weren’t bad at all I kind felt like Tom Cruise back in the day.  The movie started and the voice over of  Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) hit the surround sound and I was in it, excited as heck. Once the story was laid out, which happened quickly as you’re immediately introduced to Jake Sully his new life.

I was thrown into this world and I loved every bit of it. I was taken away for three hours to Pandora. I will never forget the feeling of watching the movie, and experiencing it in 3D. I felt like I was in planes, ducked a few times when things were flying out of the planes. I felt as though I was flying for the first time on my own mountain banshee. I smiled in the theater with a bunch of strangers. (I wanted my own Banshee by the end of it). My mind was smiling the whole movie, it was joy and honestly a work of art that just activated parts of my brain that I wasn’t used to using in movies (as they usually suck and I’m venting in my head). From the colors and the invented plants and creatures, to following Jake Sully through the world just as you are being exposed to it.  Also the beauty of the Na’vi people themselves. Their belief and insight, the pretty blue dots on their face and gorgeous eyes. It was gorgeous how their long braids linked them into the spirit of the forest, their ancestors. As well as the animals they would ride. Wicked cool. All of it is truly movie defining.

For those hours I lived within the life of Jake Sully, I was happy Sully had the opportunity to run again, I felt his curiosity as he entered the world, his fear when night fell and he was alone.  I was angered when Sully had teamed up with the Colonel, but I forgave him as he didn’t know what he was missing. He followed orders that’s all he knew.  I fell in love with Pandora with Sully, Netyri was pretty awesome so I approved of his love for her, (he was just as strong as she was).  I was hyperventilating when their beautiful tree was destroyed by the humans on Pandora.  I mourned Neytiri’s father.  I cried when Grace could not be saved…pissed actually as she was one of my favorites. All of it…a treasure. Even the fact the couple said ‘I see you’ to each other rather than ‘I love you,’ as lately in cinema the ‘I love you’ scenes have become cliched and irritating and you can’t figure out why they are in love in the first place. I see you goes a beyond  ‘I love you.’

I remember glancing around the theater during the movie, it was silent in there, 3D glasses on, and everyone was so focused hanging on to ever word and pixel and yet lost. As if their bodies were there but their mind was dancing around the jungle of the Na’Vi people.  It was incredible that that many people were captivated.

The message of the movie is simple and yet so deep. I understood it all. But rather than typing all of that here. I’ll just say it was so well written, so many beautiful lines. that may seem simple if you haven’t’ seen the movie, but what puts weight to them is the story, the characters, their past…

[as Jake pleads for Eywa's help in attacking the "Sky People" ]If Grace is there with you – look in her memories – she can show you the world we come from:  There’s no green there. They killed their Mother, and they’re gonna do the same thing here.

All I ever wanted was a single thing worth fighting for. – Jake Sully

Dislikes for a like, first, dislike,  hard to think about but I have to as it’s my job as an upcoming director… Hmm…I was curious as to why there wasn’t a ‘before it all scene’, where we find out why exactly they are all on Pandora. But I thought about all this after the fact, not during the movie as I understood by listening to dialogue. (hard for me to dish it out to this one lol).  I didn’t like how the first Na’vi member Jake meets is the one he falls in love with. I kind of wished he had been saved and brought to camp and educated  by another member of the Na’vi.  But I still enjoyed those scenes of him being taught by Neytiri. Dislike, the music wasn’t what I thought it would be, a few good ones (war scenes and flight), some were truly great and others were alright but the worst one is performed  by Leona Lewis killed me once the credits began to surface and I bolted.  A like:  I truly liked how the love scene between Sully and Neytiri wasn’t gross like usual not A**es or Ti***es, thank goodness. It was pretty and I didn’t have to close my eyes or plug my ears. For a moment I thought I was going to get something I didn’t pay for, but it ended and I thought well that was well played. Dislike/Like:  I almost don’t like how he was able to fly the Tyeruko like Neytiri’s grandfather, it felt so ‘he gets the big gun.’ As the outsider makes Na’vi history…  But at the same time it wasn’t poorly executed for the opening line from Jake Sully,  “Where I had it figured, Tyeruko’s the baddest cat in the sky. Nothing attacks him. So why would he ever look up? That was just a theory.” He says this as he leaps onto this Great Leonopteryx and flies to the people as this incredible leader in the making. And with the good voice over of Sam Worthington and already loving the character it wasn’t tragic at all.  The build up was well done so I dig it.  Dislike: if he was going to replace not only Eytukan but also Tsu’Tey why didn’t we get to find out more about Tsu’Tey, just to feel why he was the next chosen leader? I suppose that goes for a lot of the fact we didn’t get to meet other Na’vi people. But I am assuming with a sequel coming we will get that. But I still wish I was able to get to to know Tsu’Tey.

A fun quote:

This isn’t the 3-D of the 1950s or even contemporary films, those flicks that try to give you a virtual poke in the eye with flying spears. Rather Mr. Cameron uses 3-D to amplify the immersive experience of spectacle cinema. Instead of bringing you into the movie with the customary tricks, with a wide screen or even IMAX image filled with sweeping landscapes and big action, he uses 3-D seemingly to close the space between the audience and the screen. He brings the movie to you….Few films return us to the lost world of our first cinematic experiences, to that magical moment when movies really were bigger than life (instead of iPhone size), if only because we were children. Movies rarely carry us away, few even try. They entertain and instruct and sometimes enlighten. Some attempt to overwhelm us, but their efforts are usually a matter of volume. What’s often missing is awe, something Mr. Cameron has, after an absence from Hollywood, returned to the screen with a vengeance. He hasn’t changed cinema, but with blue people and pink blooms he has confirmed its wonder. http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/movies/18avatar.html

(Read part two of Avatar! – All about the performances)

Great links:

Avatar Behind The Scenes

Avatar Story Featurette

Animation Techniques

The Art of Performance Capture

James Cameron’s New 3-D Epic Could Change Film Forever | Magazine

Movie Review – Avatar (Fox) – A New Eden, Both Cosmic and Cinematic – NYTimes.com

Even The Critics like Avatar

Avatar: Reviewing the Reviewers

PROJECT 880: THE AVATAR THAT ALMOST WAS

The creatures of ‘Avatar’ were 15 years in the making

Official Website: www.avatarmovie.com

James Cameron’s 1998 Scriptment

Avatar (The performance)

Netiri played by Zoe Saldana incredible actress but Worthington and Saldana have made their mark as new actors. Honestly, I am thrilled that such actors and actresses were chosen for the film. Seeing the same faces and the same kind of acting has been boring me for quite some time.

Characters like Norm Spellman (Joel Moore) who is an avatar pilot and Na’vi researcher are truly essential as you see his excitement and joy from the world of Pandora and of the Na’Vi people. Dr. Grace Augustine (Signourney Weaver) she immediately grabs her own personal spot light and you’re in love with her right away and love her big sister  relationship with Jake Sully.  Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi), I can’t describe why I love his acting but he’s always been in some supporting role where he truly steals the scenes that he is in. He’s much more mature now so it’s great to see his roles changing and I look forward to his future ones. But in Avatar, he was fantastic. His character was arrogant and hardheaded, unable to connect to the beauty and the intrinsic value of Pandora and the Na’vi people. I believed every one of his lines.  Trudy Chacon (Michelle Rodriguez), I hate that Ms. Rodriguez is somehow this background character all the time. I think she’s underestimated as an actress, but in the film I still loved her ‘I’m born for this and I’m kicking it’ attitude. She’s always this focused and strong character.  I loved that she was a pilot and when she painted her face up for the big war, it was stellar.  I wish I could see her in the sequel. But so much for that.  The Queen of Avatar Zoe Saldana  who played Neytiri.

Links: James Cameron could change cinema forever!

VIDEO Extended ˜Avatar™ trailer plus photo stills gallery

The first trailer for the thousand-trillion-dollar epic sci-fi flick directed by James Cameron impressed with its advanced special effects but left folks a

via VIDEO Extended ‘Avatar’ trailer plus photo stills gallery.

Push – Clever and Artful, kinda sad I waited to rent

Being a frustrated film lover as the new stuff has completely been disappointing I was fascinated by Push. I remember the preview for it when it was coming to theatres and I immediately wanted to see what they had come up with this time, as I did not recognize the name of  the director (Paul McGuigan) or screen writers (David Bourla) . So I finally rented the film. I truly enjoyed it. Much better than all of the superhero themed movies that have been shoved down our throats lately, with such huge marketing techniques although their movies are a waste of time. Also, the fact that there was not a comic book to follow here may have allowed me to like it without being disappointed as there are not other written stories that precede it.

The movie is clever, and the action scenes are actually artful.  When we have scene most American films we have that alpha male like Logan (Wolverine) running around blowing up things, screaming and saving his woman. This was not that same irritating story. There were multiple characters that each had their time to shine. I liked the way they described the powers/abilities of the characters and that each character didn’t have a  name like ‘storm’ or ‘cyclops’ which hasn’t worked in movies because the characters seem to not be strong enough for you take them seriously on screen. (However I am a fan of both superheros.)  It was great to know the characters Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning), Nick Gant (Chris Evans), Kira Hollis (Camilla Belle) had some sort of grip on their powers and we didn’t have to watch them as kids ‘growing’ into their powers. Although Nick Gant had not used his powers often he had instilled instinct on it’s usage. It was great to see that without having some ring leader to tell him to ‘concentrate.’

Another good aspect is that it is unpredictable scene after scene, you’re not sure what is really going to happen. The film was clearing made under a tight budget and that is what also makes it great as they were still successful without all that extra nonsense to ‘make the movie’ like most seem to have. The action scenes are artful and I was so happy to not get a group shot of all the superheros or one of them walking in slow motion while ‘Division’ explodes in the background! Phew! What a relief. You’d think those ideas would be old now but they’re used over and over and over…gag.

Other great things we have the villain (Djimon Hounsou) he’s a fantastic actor and plays this role so well you love him as the refined villain not scary looking just powerful. Dakota Fanning is a fantastic actress and fit this role perfectly. My only complaint is her skirt needed another five inches or a couple of shots should have been taken at different angles as she had these skinny teen legs yet her thighs were all out in a way that was not appropriate for her age. To early to take that girl down that road. It didn’t fit the character right either. However, Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning…what a great mix. I enjoyed the written relationship between the two but the acting by the two of them combined was truly a treat. In addition to them we have Camille Bella who was also a fantastic joy to watch she was wonderful as the extra edge to the film with such an ability to ‘push’ thoughts into the minds of others. Other fantastic casts members were Neil Jackson (Victor Budarin), Nate Mooney (Pinky Stein), and the young woman that played the beautiful Asian who was also a watcher (her lines were not always great, not sure if it were the words or her over acting..hmmm still liked her though)

I look forward to the sequel.  Loved how this movie broke away from the standards (not located in NY or LA phew).  As I believe in improvement and hopefully a larger budget to inspire story and to continue with fantastic screenwriting. However, even without all the ‘big stuff’ that batman may have, the director did darn well without all the extras.  Like I said sequel, I have questions of Nicks father which go unanswered and to be honest I hoped to see more scenes with Joel Gretsch (Nick’s father). Go check it out.

Are we lowering our standards?

I have sat down with many of my friends and we all seem to agree on the fact that music, books and movies tend to not live up to the definition of ‘art’ and ‘creative works.’ Perhaps people are lowering their standards. As we have performers like Lady Gaga, Lil’Wayne, Chris Brown, Eminem hitting our radios. Along with Beyonce and TI and T.Pain (I used to think they were the same person), we hear their songs on repeat as each radio station shares the same playlist. We know their songs whether we like it or not. Now with the King of Pop having passed away recently his past music career was one that no one has topped or is even trying to top. Our standards have dropped as we take in crappy lyrics and loop beats. These musicians rarely play instruments, rarely write their own lyrics and their music videos are just junk.  There is not a backing behind them as performers.  Their lyrics are not only trashy but they are also filling the ears of our young people who are our future. And I’m not even in my thirties yet, so don’t assume I’m some ‘mature’ adult pissed MJ and Bryan Adams aren’t popping around the stages.

Now we have rap. Which is now mocked as it has nothing that it had in the past. It’s poetry. Telling the stories of difficult lives. But the rap we hear on the radio is nothing like that it’s rhyming titty with shitty.  Let’s qutoe L’il Wayne ” You know them hoes love Weezy/ Sticky, pimp small, long hair, big dick/Weezy bring to y’all /Don’t y’all lip quit/Put your lips on this dick /Call my hoes to get salami, ’cause they brush the balls/Let Weezy bust they jaws.” What?

And hmm lets try Lady Gaga ‘He cried, “Mother! What’d you do to me?”/I said, “Mother mother mother’s for babies Call me kitty.” ‘ Huh…

Now what about movies? It seems that directors, writers and actors do not have to work as hard to peoples attention. Toss in some R rated sex scenes (some ‘dick and kitty according to Gaga and Wayne’) a good chunk of violence, a few close ups on a bullet in the head, some cool explosions and a car race and they’ve just got their 30 million from all the ticket sales.

After seeing Transformers Revenge of the Fallen I am sure that that has happened.  Television and Movies were better in the past. But as time goes by all of those good Tv shows and movies disappear. It’s just a bunch of Junk. I can’t even find a comedy that doesn’t have a pale butt and two men kissing. Somehow that is humor and even after it’s been done over and over again. People ask why no other movie has beat Titanic, and that’s because they aren’t work half as hard. And yes, having a relationship and romance with some good explosions yes they’re entertaining. But why isn’t their a good plot? You know the layouts of writing? Where’d all that go?

Television. Reality tv seems to be what everyone wants to see. I’m sick of it, it’s all over the place. Good tv has vanished. I remember good television and all the shows I remember were booted off the air and the slots were filled with ‘I survived a Japanese Game Show’ and ‘Gossip Girl.’  Have you seen the Oscars? What is all that crap winning awards? I’m confused. And in the theatre I”m bored. I’m exhausted. And yet inspired to get in their and make some good television shows, and fantastic movies that deserve to be a runner up to Titanic. I’m redoing all of the superhero movies as the comic book world has some fantastic writers. But those darn writers who pick up the pen to write a script butcher it to death. And what the heck is wrong with Stan Lee? I’d never let them touch my master pieces. But I’m forgetting, MONEY! It’s all about the MONEY when it comes down to it. Although I like money, my art is more valuable than anything. I’d never give it up. So move over people…New Spiderman, and Tomb Raider (yuck, what happened) Superman…(how do yous crew up superman) Xmen, even Wolverine (crap again)! All redone. And if they don’t grant me that honor. Some new superheros are on the way.

I”ll write about the crap in books next time

Avatar – James Cameron, Sam Worthington! What!!

MTV News

Alright! I had to scream out of joy today as I had been aware of James Cameron’s new movie Avatar (written by him and directed…wow…my idol). The story sounds fascinating and knowing James Cameron is directing and writing the movie I’m comforted.  As I’ve mentioned before great Directors are paired with really bad writers these days which leads to a disappointing movie. Anyways, not only is James Cameron creating this fantastic film that won’t let us down. Having the perfect jewels…a good story and fantastic action. The true art of film making. But in addition to all of that, Sam Worthington is the lead character, Jake Sully. Now if you’ve read past post titled ‘Christian Bale out shined by Sam Worthington?’ (which you probably haven’t as I have few visitors) but check it out as I discussed Sam Worthington before, as he mastered Terminator, as in he was the movie.  I was blown away by his performance. The movie wasn’t great, but thanks to the writer building one strong character and Sam Worthington thankfully playing that character I actually remember a few scenes.

And now he’s in Avatar! That movie has such potential just by reading it’s cast and crew’s names. We even have Michelle Rodriguez tossed in there! There are no boundaries here! I wait in anticipation for the scary season of cold December to be enveloped in Avatar!

Hmm…now that I think about it James Cameron has Terminator under his belt along with Terminator: Sarah Conner Chronicles… Wow…that is a good show and he put his writing skills to fantastic use! Now he’s a Terminator fan, and he most likely saw Sam Worthington’s performance in the newest Terminator: Salvation, he saw the gift of an actor and scooped him up. That’s what I would have done if only at my years of 25 I was where I should be.  SO woot for that.

Oh and if you don’t know who James Cameron is, wow are you screwed. But I’ll help, he did Titanic! The best money making movie ever! And if you don’t know what Titanic is…then lord help you             Ah…Sigh.. Movies…writers…love

Oh and a link:

http://www.avatarmovie.com/

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen WTH?

I will start this with compliments. Michael Bay is a gift for all of us action loving movie goers. I pray that he’ll one day work with me! What a team we’ll be! It’s a shame that the writers (Ehren Kruger, Roberto orci, Alex Kurtzman) of the film are perhaps what made this film be about 8-10 scenes away from awesome. I occasionally furrowed my brow thinking what the hell? or oh my god with a little eye roll.

I am not sure the name of this critic I stumbled upon on the News on ABC, but I recall him saying he felt he was being hit over the head with a  baseball bat while he was watching the movie. At first I went how is that possible? It’s Transformers,..  But once I sat down and about an hour and ten minutes into it I went wow, I get what he was saying. I wasn’t sure if I was watching Superbad or some Adam Sandler flick or if I was watching Transformers. I forgot. I didn’t see very many Transformers it was humans acting as a ‘primitive race’ just as Optimus Prime had mentioned in the last film.  Don’t freak out, i’m a young one and I’m aware that the reason they used an actor like Shia Lebouf and wrote the character the way that had is because he represents the guy with the greatest fears about themselves. and that the everyday classified dork or loser can be a hero. Shia Lebouf…I will return to him soon. But the movie was long and I wouldn’t complain if for the first hour and a ten or so minutes hadn’t felt wasted.  There was way to much screen time for humans and it consisted of mainly ridiculous humor, bad-acting and a few overexposed humans, a bunch of sexy close ups topped with a bunch of irritating cliche’s .

The good news for the humans is Shia Lebouf is a fine actor, gifted. I truly feel he’s now grown past this Transformer’s franchise. As it didn’t live up to the first.  They tossed in this Leo character played by Ramon Rodriguez. However, this character got on my nerves. It felt as though they were trying to write in another guy to try to compliment Shia Lebouf’s laid back humor that so many have grown to love. Although Leo had one or two moments I laughed lightly I honestly wished he wasn’t on screen most of the time.  Truly complimenting Shia Lebouf were Josh Duhman, Tyrese Gibson along with the other group of soldiers and government operatives. I think those were my favorite scenes, I was tossed into the chaos of war. I felt those few scenes. It’s a shame there wasn’t more of them.

If it was not for Michael Bay’s brilliant shots and incredible layouts of explosions and keeping all of the action shots, 100% action in every corner of the screen. I would have walked out after I had felt my hour and a half of life was wasted as well as my ten dollars. (I should have waited to rent it)  I dream of Michael Bay teaming up with a screenwriter that’s as brilliant as he is. We’ll see what happens… a strong story line, some comedy and some incredible action sequences.

Sean Gandert quote: “…a bad teen comedy played up for cheap laughs that seems to drag on and on due to its formulaic nature. Will the geeky yet likable teen guy end up with the troubled yet gorgeous teen girl? Yes, yes he will. There’s also a magical sentient car that helps the couple get together. Now you can grab the opening action sequence and then skip out for a 30-minute coffee break without missing anything.”

He is right. You could walk out of the movie come back and not feel like you were lost as the first hour and a half was a long long long bad teen comedy. And I can’t figure out why the movie was called Transformers. As they were in 15% of the movie and the whole war going on seemed somewhere lost in the background appearing occasionally in between our traveling through a teen comedy. How’s that work? The movie could have been amazing with Michael Bays genius camera movements and cutting, but it becomes nothing to me as the movie had way to many flaws for me to walk away in complete awe. There were a few brilliant performances that were completely overshadowed as the movies crap covered right over it.

Mike Abundo quote “Humans get more screen time in this movie than they do in the entire original series — and their acting consists mostly of making hero faces and sexy poses for gratuitous closeups.” Wow, how right is he!!  Hell, look at the poster, you see Transformers! But the movie starts and they’re no where to be found. Who knows what they’re doing. However, Mikayla is outside of Sam’s garage undressing with flowers for him as he heads of to college. Sam’s soon stalked by some hot terminator wannabe who’s wearing some expensive panties (as I got a clear view),  some irritating geek is Sam’s roommate and of course get’s caught up in the

storm. Now for all those great autobots, and the war coming…who knows what’s going on with that.

Links:

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2007/07/transformers.html

<—Now this poster gets it right. A whole lot of ‘ass,’  cheap comedy, loads of cliches and good cg.

Christian Bale out shined by Sam Worthington

Although I am a huge fan of Christian Bale. I have him locked in my head as Bruce Wayne so I’m going to be examining his performance. I’ve seen many of his other films which I enjoyed him in.  I’ve learned that it is not just me on this. Christian Bale fell flat, he was out shined by Sam Worthington (Markus Wright), even Anton Yelchin (played Kyle Reese) had not only a slightly better performance but a better role than Christan Bale (John Connor). The character of John didn’t even have the substance that we were looking for, he is supposed to be this messiah yet he’s running around shooting people and blowing up things like some everyday action flick film. The typical alpha male destroy-everything idea meets mr.guns a blazing.  I love my action flicks, but Terminator is expected to have that fantastic story line with John Connor, son of Sarah Connor leading the people to their safety as they fight such a horrible war.  Not to mention while I was watching the film I kept hearing Christian Bale’s ‘outburst’ in my head, “am I going to walk around and rip your f* lights down, in the middle of a scene? Then why the f* are you walking right through ah-da-datta-da like this in the background, what the f* is it with you…” and so on. I kept thinking what scene he was shooting when he had his little outburst. I had time to think about all that because I was bored when he was on screen.  I hated the fact he was married and his wife was pregnant. It didn’t make sense. they always said that he knew he would always be alone because those who he loved would be put in danger killed. So why would he marry and have a child? Not really working for me.

This is a great quote from another review: “As a hero, Connor is really no more distinctive than the gnarly, unshaven outcast ringleader of every retro-future fantasy from Escape From New York on. Yet Terminator Salvation is invested in treating him like a grunge messiah. Bale brings the role his usual stylish, seething edge. He seems ready to blow at any moment, making his infamous on-set tantrum look less like a case of star egomania than like a Method actor’s refusal to break character gone amok.” By Owen Gleiberman – http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20279924,00.html

I’m a fan of the story of Terminator.  The action was good, the art of the movie was well done. I liked the lighting they chose for shooting. I loved the action shot of John Conner going down in a helicopter…action great. But I had zero emotional connection to John Conner when I’ve always loved the character. The characters Kyle Reese seemed stronger than John Conner and he was a teenager. He was more capable of handling the fight and being a messiah a lot better than this John Conner character (which I couldn’t associate with the one in my head).

Worthington…I cannot wait for his next movie. I wonder what will happen for him. He stole the light…ripped it right from over Christian Bales head and took the highlight. I was more interested in the Markus Wright character. I wondered if that just happened on accident, that the actor happened to be better than Bale and it turned out he out-shined him with his brilliant acting skills. Or had they noticed his talent and ended up directing a lot of  the fine lines in his direction.  Now if that’s the case I honestly wish there was more focus and direction aiding the characters uprising.  I think the movie would have been better if he was even more of the focus or at least have John Conner character be up to par to meet Sam Worthington half way. I was with Worthington and his character the whole time. I even fell for him and his lady friend Blair Williams played by Moon Bloodgood. I am a tough one to get pulled into a romance on screen although I giggled at her trying to steal his heat in the night I loved her hot edgy feel running around with a bag full of goods to make things blow up and shoot and kill machines. But I suppose I watched her as I was watching the character Markus Wright.

If only the full script matched the strength of character of Blair Williams, Markus Wright and Kyle Resse, the action sequences. The film would have been fantastic. It was almost fantastic.

My other issue was the stolen seen from Transformers. I know that the best director steals from everyone, but you still have to make it your own. The scene where they had a piece of a terminator limb. they strapped it down on the table and it was looking back at Christian Bale. All he had to do was say ‘This thing is wicked’ like Captian Lennox played by Josh Duhamel and it’d be the same scene just different lighting. I went…what??? And others in the theatre next to me also had the same reaction, knowing it was almost an exact duplicate scene.

Another ‘ick’ moment was a fake Arnold.  I wondered if they really wanted Connor dead why didn’t they just blow him up, instead they sent this look alike Arnold. It wasn’t even him! They mine as well just had some other big guy play the role of kill-connor-now rather than have some CG generated beastly Arnold coming after him.  I mean, really!? And what the heck was with there being like two terminators guarding the center? They can just storm in there and barely be attacked? what the?

What I was completely in love with, was the music! Can’t wait to get the score!! Loved it! The Terminators were crazy scary I was loving them!